Poker is a card game in which players place bets (representing money) into a central pot. A player with the highest hand wins the pot. Players may raise, call or fold as the betting round progresses. Each betting round begins with one player putting in a forced bet (the amount varies by game).

After the ante is placed the dealer shuffles the cards and deals them to each player. The first person to the left of the player who made the ante has the option to either call or raise. If he calls he places his bet into the central pot.

Once the first betting round is complete the dealer will deal a third card to the table that everyone can use. This is called the flop. After the flop betting takes place and once again each player has the option to raise or fold.

When the final betting round occurs, a fifth community card is dealt. This is the turn. Then once again each player has the option to raise.

As you can see poker involves a large amount of chance, but most of the action at the table is driven by decisions made by each player on the basis of probability, psychology and game theory. It is important to learn and practice poker strategy at a low stakes level. This allows you to play versus weaker players and learn the game before spending too much money. There are many benefits of playing at lower stakes: you will make more money, have smaller swings, and move up the stakes faster.